FF DRAFT COMMANDMENTS
By The Grazianimal, NFL Draft Bible
#1. This Year We Are Going To Call This One “Don't Draft Eli Manning:”
8 and 8 with blah blah blah numbers: This character is being touted as a decent pick, but he is a dangerous play. 6 and 2, then 2 and 6 is how his eight is enough season went. So down the stretch he stunk like Peyton's sweat socks. Usually and doubly so for a quarterback, a winning game means good stats and a losing game means balls. Do you want your 3rd round pick deciding that halfway through the season he needs some fundamental drills under his belt? NO.
2. This Is “Injuries:”
Stay away from broken players. How else could I put this? Injured dudes
put up very few statistics on a week to week basis. One other way,
Mike Vick has a better chance of playing and getting 100 on the ground, then players talking to doctors about surgery and pain pills. An addendum: Players with an injury history and a season of solid play a la Michael Westbrook of Philadelphia deserve reconsideration. Westbrook was an excellent pick last season and could have been had as early trade bait. Westbrook is a prime example of a risk reward situation coming back sevens.
3. This Is Called “I Can't Remember What I Called Rule 3:”
When you can't remember all your rules, doing your homework is as good advice as I can give. I never follow this rule and that is why my performance suffers. You do not need to be the Champ to know how the dude climbed the mountain. Keep it tuned to nfldraftbible.com as that is the best way to prepare for your draft. And remember: All tests are easy when you know the answers.
How much more fantasy info can you take? We got it all and more at
The Bible.
Nobody write me at: grazianimal@nfldraftbible.com
Mister Graziano is in no way affiliated with the government of the USA
or any other government or nation allied with the UN as far as we
know.-ed
The views and comments of The Grazianimal are completely independent. The NFL Draft Bible and 4th & Goal are not responsible for anyone who may be offended.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
THE GRID: VOL. II
TIME TO HANG’EM UP?
By Bryan Palmese, NFL Draft Bible
Two defensive leaders are contemplating retirement this week: Carolina Panthers’ field general, Mike Minter and New York Giants sack leader Michael “The Gap” Strahan. Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ success on the defensive side of the ball and will be missed by their teammates. Both players have mentioned that they are pondering the decision, but only Minter seems like a sure bet right now to follow through.
Mike Minter has been a bright spot in the Carolina secondary for the past decade. The hard-hitting safety was drafted out of the University of Nebraska in 1997 and has played his entire career for the Black and Blue in Charlotte. Minter was a ball-hawk throughout his career and a major cog in the Panthers Super Bowl run in 2003. I really enjoy watching his style of play. He was always around the ball and never shied away from the physical stuff. Mike was vocal on and off the field and a positive role model in the community.
Minter should be remembered this season by his teammates and hopefully not soon forgotten by fans either. Number thirty was around when the Panthers suffered through their horrid 1-15 season, not to mention the Rae Carruth fiasco and the Fred Lane tragedy that shook the city. He has also been the team captain for the past five seasons.
The former Cornhusker has been slowed by chronic knee ailments for the past few seasons. There were rumors floating around Spartanburg this training camp that the 2007 season would be Minter’s last tour of duty. The man has had a solid career and has given his all to this team since he stepped foot on the field ten years ago. It will truly be sad to not see him roaming the secondary on opening day.
Michael Strahan’s situation is slightly different. He’s come out and said his decision is “50-50” on whether he will be back for Big Blue. In fact, he released a letter to fans letting them know that the idea of retirement is not due to money, rather the physical wear and tear he’s endured. He’s questioning himself and has doubts about his ability to perform at the level necessary to ensure the Giants have a successful season. As much as you hate to see the great players call it a career, I commend him on putting the team first and thinking about his future after football. In my opinion, far too many athletes hold on too long and the game passes them by. It’s better to go out on top instead of being the weak link or ending your career with a different team a year or two later.
Michael is a vocal leader on the field and he is a workhorse of a defensive player since being drafted by the G-Men in 1993. He and Osi Umenyiora had been a stellar pair of bookend defensive ends over the past few seasons. In 2001, Strahan broke Mark Gastineau’s single season sack record when he fell on top of Brett Favre. He tallied another 18.5 sacks a couple of years later as well. He only played in nine games last season though and the treads on the tires might be wearing thin. Strahan isn’t necessarily pulling a Barry Sanders here. The defensive end is 35 years old and is still one of the most feared linemen in the league. Fifteen years of wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields along with holding the NFL single-season sack record should be considered an accomplished career.
The seven-time All Pro is in the off the field spotlight as well. He has several endorsement deals such as Chunky Soup, Right Guard, and Subway. Of late, Strahan has been in the news regarding his marital woes. His ex-wife had Michael by the twigs and berries in the court system and she was rewarded $15 million in a settlement in a bitter divorce hearing.
If Strahan does decide to come back, he will be welcomed by his teammates. I think seeing the outspoken star in the trenches for the ’07 campaign would only help the Giants front seven. Hopefully this situation will get worked out sooner rather than later. It can become a distraction around training camp and the coaching staff needs to know what personnel they are putting on the field. Down in Carolina, the front office made a move last week to solidify their secondary by trading for SS Chris Harris from the Chicago Bears. This should ease some of the pain in not having Minter, but the intangibles that Iron Mike brought won’t be as easy to replace.
A new emerging voice on the national football scene, Bryan Palmese will be providing insight and analysis on the world of football right here at 4th & Goal.
Email: Bryan@nfldraftbible.com
By Bryan Palmese, NFL Draft Bible
Two defensive leaders are contemplating retirement this week: Carolina Panthers’ field general, Mike Minter and New York Giants sack leader Michael “The Gap” Strahan. Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ success on the defensive side of the ball and will be missed by their teammates. Both players have mentioned that they are pondering the decision, but only Minter seems like a sure bet right now to follow through.
Mike Minter has been a bright spot in the Carolina secondary for the past decade. The hard-hitting safety was drafted out of the University of Nebraska in 1997 and has played his entire career for the Black and Blue in Charlotte. Minter was a ball-hawk throughout his career and a major cog in the Panthers Super Bowl run in 2003. I really enjoy watching his style of play. He was always around the ball and never shied away from the physical stuff. Mike was vocal on and off the field and a positive role model in the community.
Minter should be remembered this season by his teammates and hopefully not soon forgotten by fans either. Number thirty was around when the Panthers suffered through their horrid 1-15 season, not to mention the Rae Carruth fiasco and the Fred Lane tragedy that shook the city. He has also been the team captain for the past five seasons.
The former Cornhusker has been slowed by chronic knee ailments for the past few seasons. There were rumors floating around Spartanburg this training camp that the 2007 season would be Minter’s last tour of duty. The man has had a solid career and has given his all to this team since he stepped foot on the field ten years ago. It will truly be sad to not see him roaming the secondary on opening day.
Michael Strahan’s situation is slightly different. He’s come out and said his decision is “50-50” on whether he will be back for Big Blue. In fact, he released a letter to fans letting them know that the idea of retirement is not due to money, rather the physical wear and tear he’s endured. He’s questioning himself and has doubts about his ability to perform at the level necessary to ensure the Giants have a successful season. As much as you hate to see the great players call it a career, I commend him on putting the team first and thinking about his future after football. In my opinion, far too many athletes hold on too long and the game passes them by. It’s better to go out on top instead of being the weak link or ending your career with a different team a year or two later.
Michael is a vocal leader on the field and he is a workhorse of a defensive player since being drafted by the G-Men in 1993. He and Osi Umenyiora had been a stellar pair of bookend defensive ends over the past few seasons. In 2001, Strahan broke Mark Gastineau’s single season sack record when he fell on top of Brett Favre. He tallied another 18.5 sacks a couple of years later as well. He only played in nine games last season though and the treads on the tires might be wearing thin. Strahan isn’t necessarily pulling a Barry Sanders here. The defensive end is 35 years old and is still one of the most feared linemen in the league. Fifteen years of wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields along with holding the NFL single-season sack record should be considered an accomplished career.
The seven-time All Pro is in the off the field spotlight as well. He has several endorsement deals such as Chunky Soup, Right Guard, and Subway. Of late, Strahan has been in the news regarding his marital woes. His ex-wife had Michael by the twigs and berries in the court system and she was rewarded $15 million in a settlement in a bitter divorce hearing.
If Strahan does decide to come back, he will be welcomed by his teammates. I think seeing the outspoken star in the trenches for the ’07 campaign would only help the Giants front seven. Hopefully this situation will get worked out sooner rather than later. It can become a distraction around training camp and the coaching staff needs to know what personnel they are putting on the field. Down in Carolina, the front office made a move last week to solidify their secondary by trading for SS Chris Harris from the Chicago Bears. This should ease some of the pain in not having Minter, but the intangibles that Iron Mike brought won’t be as easy to replace.
A new emerging voice on the national football scene, Bryan Palmese will be providing insight and analysis on the world of football right here at 4th & Goal.
Email: Bryan@nfldraftbible.com
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
GRIDIRON GRUMBLINGS: VOL II
EXCESSIVE CELEBRATIONS
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible
"I know it's stupid to say and it's not good, some people aren't going to like it but I've set aside (fine) money again, like I did in '05 and that was a ridiculous year where I had fun. I'm having fun again. I've got to have fun. This is a business and you've got to understand the business, the ins and outs of it, and to keep my mind off of it I continue to have fun. This will be a year to entertain, not just myself but the fans in Cincinnati and around the world. This is going to be a fun year." -- Cincinnati Wide Receiver Chad Johnson
The thought of Johnson reverting back to his old ways is nauseating. There was a time when players did not draw attention to themselves or show up the other team, but nowadays it seems like every time a player does something relatively good, such as picking up a first down or recording a sack, he feels the need to celebrate his greatness…which has left me wondering: When did this type of behavior begin?
You might call Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, who played for the Houston Oilers from 1974-1980, the pioneer of the touchdown celebration. When he crossed the goal line White Shoes would hold the ball in the air and wiggle his knees in opposite directions. He later added splits and the fake ball toss to the crowd. Though they were unlike the traditional spike that many players used to celebrate touchdowns, White Shoes' frolics were a unique singular performance.
There were other noteworthy performers throughout the 80s, like
Cincinnati's Ickey Woods, but it wasn't until a young Atlanta cornerback made a big name for himself in the early 90s that the act of touchdown celebrations really took off. Deion Sanders came along at precisely the right time to unveil his distinct touchdown celebration. With ESPN becoming a huge player in the sports industry, Sanders and his "Prime Time" alter ego played to cameras and earned millions. But what made his celebration different from most was that it began long before he reached the end zone.
When Sanders was returning a punt or an interception for a score, and he was certain no one would catch up to him, he would start high-stepping from about the 15-yard line into the end zone before breaking out his creative touchdown dance.
Now, if White Shoes was the father of the touchdown celebration and Sanders was his heir apparent, then Terrell Owens is the unwanted stepchild who took the lighthearted nature of the celebration and turned it into a purely selfish act as a relatively unknown receiver for San Francisco, Owens created the "over-the-top" touchdown
celebration that we routinely see on Sundays when he posed on the
Dallas star after a score in 2000.
Two years later he added the "Sharpie Incident" and just like that Owens' antics changed the game forever and influenced a new generation of brash young players who are hell bent on getting face-time on SportsCenter by trying to come up with the most creative touchdown celebration. However, if you ask a player why he feels the need to act out he will tell you that he is just playing with emotion and trying to have fun--as if football has become a dull and mind-numbing experience.
Excessive celebrations are a cheap way to get attention and nothing more than a self-serving act that fails to acknowledge anyone but the individual. The over-the-top attention-seeking celebrations of Owens, Chad Johnson and others of their ilk have no business being in the game. Playing with emotion doesn't mean you have to result to
buffoonery and show up the other team -- which can be very dangerous as
Reggie Bush found out in last year's NFC Championship game.
Being an emotional player on the field is fine, but it must be
controlled. Any player who excessively celebrates is just trying to
market himself at the expense of the team. And let's be clear, it has nothing to do with being emotional. LaDainian Tomlinson plays with as much passion as any other athlete on the field, yet he never feels the need to show off.
There's a big disparity between playing with confidence and playing with arrogance. Marvin Harrison plays with confidence. Chad Johnson plays with arrogance. Do you see the difference? I realize such a concept might confuse some players, so I offer this advice: when in doubt just act like you've been there before.
Don't miss out! Stay tuned right here at 4th & Goal as Marc Jimenez provides you with an insight & anlysis from around the league with his Gridiron Grumblings Report!
Email: marc@nfldraftbible.com
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible
"I know it's stupid to say and it's not good, some people aren't going to like it but I've set aside (fine) money again, like I did in '05 and that was a ridiculous year where I had fun. I'm having fun again. I've got to have fun. This is a business and you've got to understand the business, the ins and outs of it, and to keep my mind off of it I continue to have fun. This will be a year to entertain, not just myself but the fans in Cincinnati and around the world. This is going to be a fun year." -- Cincinnati Wide Receiver Chad Johnson
The thought of Johnson reverting back to his old ways is nauseating. There was a time when players did not draw attention to themselves or show up the other team, but nowadays it seems like every time a player does something relatively good, such as picking up a first down or recording a sack, he feels the need to celebrate his greatness…which has left me wondering: When did this type of behavior begin?
You might call Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, who played for the Houston Oilers from 1974-1980, the pioneer of the touchdown celebration. When he crossed the goal line White Shoes would hold the ball in the air and wiggle his knees in opposite directions. He later added splits and the fake ball toss to the crowd. Though they were unlike the traditional spike that many players used to celebrate touchdowns, White Shoes' frolics were a unique singular performance.
There were other noteworthy performers throughout the 80s, like
Cincinnati's Ickey Woods, but it wasn't until a young Atlanta cornerback made a big name for himself in the early 90s that the act of touchdown celebrations really took off. Deion Sanders came along at precisely the right time to unveil his distinct touchdown celebration. With ESPN becoming a huge player in the sports industry, Sanders and his "Prime Time" alter ego played to cameras and earned millions. But what made his celebration different from most was that it began long before he reached the end zone.
When Sanders was returning a punt or an interception for a score, and he was certain no one would catch up to him, he would start high-stepping from about the 15-yard line into the end zone before breaking out his creative touchdown dance.
Now, if White Shoes was the father of the touchdown celebration and Sanders was his heir apparent, then Terrell Owens is the unwanted stepchild who took the lighthearted nature of the celebration and turned it into a purely selfish act as a relatively unknown receiver for San Francisco, Owens created the "over-the-top" touchdown
celebration that we routinely see on Sundays when he posed on the
Dallas star after a score in 2000.
Two years later he added the "Sharpie Incident" and just like that Owens' antics changed the game forever and influenced a new generation of brash young players who are hell bent on getting face-time on SportsCenter by trying to come up with the most creative touchdown celebration. However, if you ask a player why he feels the need to act out he will tell you that he is just playing with emotion and trying to have fun--as if football has become a dull and mind-numbing experience.
Excessive celebrations are a cheap way to get attention and nothing more than a self-serving act that fails to acknowledge anyone but the individual. The over-the-top attention-seeking celebrations of Owens, Chad Johnson and others of their ilk have no business being in the game. Playing with emotion doesn't mean you have to result to
buffoonery and show up the other team -- which can be very dangerous as
Reggie Bush found out in last year's NFC Championship game.
Being an emotional player on the field is fine, but it must be
controlled. Any player who excessively celebrates is just trying to
market himself at the expense of the team. And let's be clear, it has nothing to do with being emotional. LaDainian Tomlinson plays with as much passion as any other athlete on the field, yet he never feels the need to show off.
There's a big disparity between playing with confidence and playing with arrogance. Marvin Harrison plays with confidence. Chad Johnson plays with arrogance. Do you see the difference? I realize such a concept might confuse some players, so I offer this advice: when in doubt just act like you've been there before.
Don't miss out! Stay tuned right here at 4th & Goal as Marc Jimenez provides you with an insight & anlysis from around the league with his Gridiron Grumblings Report!
Email: marc@nfldraftbible.com
Monday, August 6, 2007
VIEW FROM THE COUCH: VOL II
NEW ORLEANS PRIDE
By D’Arcy Maine, 4th & Goal Columnist
With the media frenzy surrounding Michael Vick and his canine abuse, corrupt NBA referees and Barry Bonds controversial record breaking attempts, it’s easy to become disenfranchised with the current state of sports in America. So, I wanted to remind myself of what is right in sports today and one team instantly came to mind.
Last season the New Orleans Saints became the feel-good story in sports and provided a bright spot for a devastated city. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was desperate for some positive attention and something to cheer for. The Saints did just that, bringing hope and unity for thousands of area residents while simultaneously becoming America’s team, representing all that was good in professional sports.
During the 2005 season, the Superdome made headlines, not for football, but with images and stories of thousands of residents crammed into the stadium after losing their homes while the nomadic Saints tried to pull it together, splitting their home games between San Antonio and Baton Rouge, finishing with a dismal 3-13 record. The team seemed to symbolize the fallen city as it searched for a new home and identity with little to hope for.
But the 2006 season defied all expectations. With their home opener at the Superdome, a spirited Saints and an even more spirited crowd drew the admiration of the nation and drew ESPN’s highest ratings to that point (this was recently beat by David Beckham’s American soccer debut). The Saints easily defeated the Falcons in a rout, instantly making the Saints heroes for New Orleans and beyond.
Led by first-year head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, the team shattered all expectations for the season winning the NFC South and making it to the NFC Championship before finally falling to the Bears, 39-14.
Brees had a standout season in his first since leaving San Diego, leading the league with 4,418 passing yards and finishing third for touchdown passes with 26.
But, perhaps most importantly, the team dedicated themselves to being ambassadors for New Orleans both on and off the field.
So what happens now to “America’s team”?
After a Hollywood-worthy season and securing a place in the hearts of American sports fans, it will be interesting to see what happens for the 2007 season. With the majority of their starters returning, the team should be one of the better teams in the NFC. However, questions continue to arise about last season being a fluke driven by a team’s strong will and high emotion from all those around.
The Saints are returning almost their entire starting lineup and look to return to the NFC Championship game with a different ending this year.
Payton won 2006 Coach of the Year honors and his off-season decisions showed no signs of slowing down for the second-year coach. After releasing the chronically injured Joe Horn, the Saints all-time touchdown leader, to great public dismay, Payton drafted Robert Meachem in the first round. Meachem had an impressive career at the University of Tennessee and it looks as if the former Volunteer will solidify a starting position early in the season, joining Marques Colston at the wide receiver position. It is nearly impossible to successfully gauge how a rookie will fare in the NFL, but Meachem could potentially make an immediate impact to an already impressive offensive team.
After a mediocre rookie season, it remains a mystery as to if Reggie Bush will emerge as one of the premier running backs. After an incredible career at USC, 2006 was a disappointment for Bush and Saints fans with his inconsistent performances. However, he showed incredible potential during the second half of the season scoring seven touchdowns in the last five games of the regular season. This bout of late-season success should bring Bush a much-needed boost of confidence entering the 2007 season as he and Deuce McAllister should be one of the most feared running back duos in the league.
The past few years have proven the value of an experienced and accurate kicker and Payton recognized this during the break by signing Olindo Mare. Mare has spent his entire NFL career with the Dolphins and has an 82 percent accuracy rate over ten years. Last season's kicker, John Carney, struggled with long field goals and Mare should be a key member of the special teams.
The Saints offense remains almost entirely in tact and they have become the heart of the team. Colston is entering just his second season and improved tremendously game-to-game as a rookie. This trend should continue this season as he looks to improve his numbers. As long as he can stay healthy and avoid injury, it should be another breakout year for the former Hofstra star. Colston easily connected on the field with Brees and after a productive off-season of training together, these two should have no problem connecting for even more touchdowns this season.
The biggest question mark this year will be the defense. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant are expected to lead the charge. New Orleans signed veterans Jason David, Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaeshivarn during the off-season and these three bring much-needed experience to the squad. Usama Young of Kent State was drafted and he should provide speed and agility to the new and improved defense.
The Saints face the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener and this should give an early indication of how successful the team will be. The Colts will be heavily favored to win but if the Saints can keep it close it will be a good sign for the 2007 campaign. The team lost 20-7 in their first exhibition game on Sunday against the Steelers but it is too early to jump to any conclusions, particularly considering the relaxed nature of pre-season games and the lack of minutes played by the team’s star players.
The 2006 season was an incredible year for the New Orleans franchise and many could argue that the team was running on an emotion and motivation that they will be unable to emulate. But, like the city of New Orleans, this team has something to prove and their talent, combined with their heart, should make them the team to beat in the NFC and lead them deep into the playoffs.
Tired of the same old AP Wire reports? Get a real insider’s take with D’Arcy Maine as she provides inside perspective on the news you want to hear about!
Email: darcy@nfldraftbible.com
By D’Arcy Maine, 4th & Goal Columnist
With the media frenzy surrounding Michael Vick and his canine abuse, corrupt NBA referees and Barry Bonds controversial record breaking attempts, it’s easy to become disenfranchised with the current state of sports in America. So, I wanted to remind myself of what is right in sports today and one team instantly came to mind.
Last season the New Orleans Saints became the feel-good story in sports and provided a bright spot for a devastated city. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was desperate for some positive attention and something to cheer for. The Saints did just that, bringing hope and unity for thousands of area residents while simultaneously becoming America’s team, representing all that was good in professional sports.
During the 2005 season, the Superdome made headlines, not for football, but with images and stories of thousands of residents crammed into the stadium after losing their homes while the nomadic Saints tried to pull it together, splitting their home games between San Antonio and Baton Rouge, finishing with a dismal 3-13 record. The team seemed to symbolize the fallen city as it searched for a new home and identity with little to hope for.
But the 2006 season defied all expectations. With their home opener at the Superdome, a spirited Saints and an even more spirited crowd drew the admiration of the nation and drew ESPN’s highest ratings to that point (this was recently beat by David Beckham’s American soccer debut). The Saints easily defeated the Falcons in a rout, instantly making the Saints heroes for New Orleans and beyond.
Led by first-year head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, the team shattered all expectations for the season winning the NFC South and making it to the NFC Championship before finally falling to the Bears, 39-14.
Brees had a standout season in his first since leaving San Diego, leading the league with 4,418 passing yards and finishing third for touchdown passes with 26.
But, perhaps most importantly, the team dedicated themselves to being ambassadors for New Orleans both on and off the field.
So what happens now to “America’s team”?
After a Hollywood-worthy season and securing a place in the hearts of American sports fans, it will be interesting to see what happens for the 2007 season. With the majority of their starters returning, the team should be one of the better teams in the NFC. However, questions continue to arise about last season being a fluke driven by a team’s strong will and high emotion from all those around.
The Saints are returning almost their entire starting lineup and look to return to the NFC Championship game with a different ending this year.
Payton won 2006 Coach of the Year honors and his off-season decisions showed no signs of slowing down for the second-year coach. After releasing the chronically injured Joe Horn, the Saints all-time touchdown leader, to great public dismay, Payton drafted Robert Meachem in the first round. Meachem had an impressive career at the University of Tennessee and it looks as if the former Volunteer will solidify a starting position early in the season, joining Marques Colston at the wide receiver position. It is nearly impossible to successfully gauge how a rookie will fare in the NFL, but Meachem could potentially make an immediate impact to an already impressive offensive team.
After a mediocre rookie season, it remains a mystery as to if Reggie Bush will emerge as one of the premier running backs. After an incredible career at USC, 2006 was a disappointment for Bush and Saints fans with his inconsistent performances. However, he showed incredible potential during the second half of the season scoring seven touchdowns in the last five games of the regular season. This bout of late-season success should bring Bush a much-needed boost of confidence entering the 2007 season as he and Deuce McAllister should be one of the most feared running back duos in the league.
The past few years have proven the value of an experienced and accurate kicker and Payton recognized this during the break by signing Olindo Mare. Mare has spent his entire NFL career with the Dolphins and has an 82 percent accuracy rate over ten years. Last season's kicker, John Carney, struggled with long field goals and Mare should be a key member of the special teams.
The Saints offense remains almost entirely in tact and they have become the heart of the team. Colston is entering just his second season and improved tremendously game-to-game as a rookie. This trend should continue this season as he looks to improve his numbers. As long as he can stay healthy and avoid injury, it should be another breakout year for the former Hofstra star. Colston easily connected on the field with Brees and after a productive off-season of training together, these two should have no problem connecting for even more touchdowns this season.
The biggest question mark this year will be the defense. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant are expected to lead the charge. New Orleans signed veterans Jason David, Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaeshivarn during the off-season and these three bring much-needed experience to the squad. Usama Young of Kent State was drafted and he should provide speed and agility to the new and improved defense.
The Saints face the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener and this should give an early indication of how successful the team will be. The Colts will be heavily favored to win but if the Saints can keep it close it will be a good sign for the 2007 campaign. The team lost 20-7 in their first exhibition game on Sunday against the Steelers but it is too early to jump to any conclusions, particularly considering the relaxed nature of pre-season games and the lack of minutes played by the team’s star players.
The 2006 season was an incredible year for the New Orleans franchise and many could argue that the team was running on an emotion and motivation that they will be unable to emulate. But, like the city of New Orleans, this team has something to prove and their talent, combined with their heart, should make them the team to beat in the NFC and lead them deep into the playoffs.
Tired of the same old AP Wire reports? Get a real insider’s take with D’Arcy Maine as she provides inside perspective on the news you want to hear about!
Email: darcy@nfldraftbible.com
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